Indian woman in Ireland told to 'go back to India'; faces racial attack on Dublin street

An ordinary walk home turned into a frightening ordeal for Indian national Swati Verma, who was racially attacked on the streets of Dublin on October 8. The incident has reignited discussions in Ireland about racism and the experiences of immigrants.

Verma, returning from her gym near her residence, was approached by a woman wearing a Dublin City University (DCU) badge. Expecting a routine interaction, Verma was instead confronted with intrusive, racially charged questions.

The woman asked, "Why did you come to Ireland? What are you doing here? Why don’t you go back to India?" Verma, startled, later shared on Instagram, "I never thought I’d have to justify my existence on a street I walk every day."


The confrontation escalated when the attacker questioned Verma’s immigration status. Verma responded, "Yes, I’m not here for free. I pay my taxes and contribute to the economy." The attacker replied, "Biggest mistake you ever made… go back to India."

Verma recorded part of the encounter on her phone. In the video, the woman says, "Do you have any idea what you’re doing? You’re coming to Ireland, paying landlords fing money to live here." Verma calmly responded, "And what should I be doing instead—just live on the road, in a tent?" The attacker continued aggressively, claiming, "You’re giving them power, but I am the power, and I am the entity."

A passerby intervened during the confrontation but was met with the same hostility. Verma described feeling shaken and heartbroken, adding, "This isn’t just about one person -- it’s about how racism, intimidation and hate still walk freely on our streets."

The video has since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread support and condemnation. Commenters praised Verma for her composure and highlighted the recurring nature of such attacks.

This incident has reignited calls in Ireland for greater awareness and action against racial harassment on public streets.

(With TOI inputs)